Insecurity: CAN Declares Three Days of Mourning, Demands State of Emergency on Security

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period from June 12 to June 14, 2026, over the worsening insecurity across the country and called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the security sector to address the crisis.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the CAN National Church Denominational Leaders Summit held in Abuja under the theme, “State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”

Speaking through the communiqué, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, including killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, abductions and the destruction of communities across Nigeria.

The association lamented the loss of lives, destruction of livelihoods, displacement of communities and the trauma suffered by victims and their families, warning that the continued assault on human life, freedom and dignity poses a serious threat to national unity, stability and development.

CAN condemned what it described as the barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement of innocent citizens, and urged the Federal Government to take decisive action by declaring a state of emergency on security nationwide.

The association also called for a comprehensive review of the country’s security architecture, including enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved operational effectiveness and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.

It reminded the government of its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property and urged the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes for the establishment of state police and other lawful decentralised security structures to improve intelligence gathering, rapid response and local accountability.

CAN further advocated stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, civil society groups and local communities to tackle the growing threats to national peace and security.

The association demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently held captive by criminal groups, urging security agencies to intensify rescue efforts until all victims regain their freedom.

In addition, CAN called for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks.

It said families who have lost loved ones, individuals who have suffered permanent injuries and communities whose homes, schools, churches and livelihoods have been destroyed deserve justice, support and restoration.

As part of its resolutions, CAN declared Friday, June 12, 2026, as the commencement of a three-day period of national mourning, which will end on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

The association also designated Sunday, June 14, as Black Sunday across churches in Nigeria in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity.

The body called on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Teachers, student groups, civil society organisations, professional bodies and traditional institutions to join efforts aimed at holding government accountable and ensuring sustained commitment to the protection of lives and property.

CAN also urged Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, to unite in defence of human life, national security and the common good, describing the country’s security challenges as a collective national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action.

The association expressed appreciation to church leaders, bloc leaders, denominational heads, delegates and participants from across the country for their commitment, patriotism and contributions during the summit, noting that their deliberations enriched the outcomes and resolutions reached on addressing the nation’s challenges.